Jenna Nelson Patton

Jenna Nelson Patton – Editor

Professional, author-friendly editing and coaching to help you take your project where you want it to go. 15 years experience. 300+ books.

Overview

Hello! What are you working on? And what are your next steps?


Nonfiction Authors

I'm an experienced editor who truly enjoys working with authors to make every book the best it can be. I develop projects that help readers unlock their inner strength, set intentions, and invite healing. I specialize in projects that inspire readers to explore the natural world. I enjoy working with authors who help their readers make lifestyle changes and reach challenging new goals. I also edit food and cookbook manuscripts of all kinds—from Ayurvedic balancing to cannabis cocktails to vegan baking.


Fiction Authors

I can help you revise effectively with publisher expectations in mind. I edit novel-length work, with a special interest in shorter forms (short story, novella, novelette). I also welcome authors who are translating works and submitting to literary journals.


What You Can Expect

I keep my schedule flexible so that when we work together you know my full attention is on your work. My turnaround times are reliable, and my aim is to make the editing process tailored to you. I can send you a sample edit with my offer to give you a good sense of what working with me is like. I am easy to work with! Let's talk about how to take your project where you want it to go.

Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Health & Wellbeing New Age Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Short Story
Languages
English (CAN) English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD, Emory University
  • MA, Universite de Montreal
  • BA, University of Pittsburgh
  • Editing Certificate, University of Chicago
  • Copyediting Certificate, UC–San Diego
  • Plain Language Certificate, Simon Fraser University
  • Indexing, UC–Berkeley
  • Developmental Editing, Author-Editor Clinic

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2009 — Present

My portfolio on Reedsy includes a small sample of the 100s of projects I have been a part of. Publishers and authors hire me to develop books that inspire readers to be creative, make lifestyle changes, and reach new goals. I have worked with award-winning authors (IACP & James Beard), celebrity chefs, and *many* successful first-time authors who have a passion for sharing their work. I like being a part of the team that turns a manuscript into a finished book. I learn something new from every project, and it seems like there is always a new trend or ingredient to keep things interesting. I truly enjoy helping authors set their readers up for success.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
How to Start Running (And Enjoy It)

Casson, Sarah Austin

Copy Editing
Avoid the vet by learning how to treat your pup's symptoms and know that a better diet means a healthier, happier dog. Is your pup fighting to feel better? Your dog's skin problems, ear infect... read more
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
No Meat Athlete is the plant-based guide you need to perform at your very best, from starting block to finish line.No Meat Athlete combines proven training plans, easy yet innovative recipes, ... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Naz Deravian lays out the multi-hued canvas of a Persian meal, with 100+ recipes adapted to an American home kitchen and interspersed with Naz's celebrated essays exploring the idea of home.
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Watercolor With Me in the Forest

Fox, Dana

Page Street Publishing

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
From the authors of the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day series comes a holiday and celebration cookbook that uses the same groundbreaking quick and easy baking method.Zoë François and Jeff... read more
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Create your own cannabis infused cocktails!Combining cannabis and cocktails is a hot new trend, and Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics shows you how. Featuring a collection of 75 recipes o... read more
Copy Editing

Jenna has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Who Will L.

Who Will L.

Aug, 2024

Where to begin? Jenna has been so much more than just a developmental editor for this project. Her insights, suggestions, and willingness to talk through just about anything, have made the book infinitely better. I am SO grateful for the encouragement, wisdom, and expertise she provided. All of my other books were traditionally published, so I was nervous about doing one on my own, but Jenna's ...
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Maritza J.

Maritza J.

Jul, 2024

This was my first time working with an editor. Jenna Nelson took care to walk me through the process and gave me some tips on some of the things I should expect as I move forward with my project. Through each step of the way, I felt like my work was being taken seriously and I felt the feedback and suggestions provided by Jenna Nelson reflected that wonderfully.
Wendy C.

Wendy C.

Jun, 2024

I have been working with Jenna on the developmental edit of my book and it has been a great experience. She is always quick to respond and turn a chapter around. Her edits are clear and helpful. Not only is the book improving but I am also learning a lot. The best part for me is that this was a new experience, I had never worked with an Editor and she is super helpful and encouraging. She...
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Sarah C.

Sarah C.

Jan, 2024

Working with Jenna was a delight. She gave great edits and communicated clearly. I'll definitely be reaching out to Jenna for future projects. I'm so glad I worked with Jenna!
Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Dec, 2023

A Transformative Experience with an Exceptional Developmental Editor! I recently had the privilege of working with Jenna as my developmental editor for my first-ever writing project, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, Jenna demonstrated unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of my manuscript. Jenna pos...
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